 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GE8G)
Amazon is selling the diminutive Echo Dot smart speaker for just $23 as part of an early Black Friday deal. That's a record low price for the gadget and represents a savings of more than 50 percent, as it typically costs $50. This deal is for the latest and greatest Echo Dot, and not a model from several generations ago.The sale applies to various colorways, like gray, blue and black. The Echo Dot may be small in stature, but there's a reason it made our list of the best smart speakers in 2023. This thing is actually pretty useful. The sound quality won't blow you away when compared to its larger siblings, but the speaker gets plenty loud. It also features a temperature sensor and built-in Eero capabilities.The globe-shape is pleasing, the colors are on point and set-up is simple, thanks to the affiliated Echo app. We liked this smart speaker at $50, so we certainly like it at $23. If you've been wanting to experiment with Alexa but were waiting for a good deal, this is it. If you buy this speaker, make sure to ask Alexa to sing the song about cats. Trust me.Amazon's sale extends beyond the company's tiniest smart speaker. You can also nab the standard full-sized Echo speaker for $55, which represents a savings of $45. Additionally, the Echo Dot with Clock is on sale for $35 instead of $60. As the name suggests, this is the above Echo Dot, but with an LED clock. If you don't want to spring for this version, you can always just ask Alexa to tell you the time.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-echo-dot-drops-to-a-record-low-of-23-in-an-amazon-black-friday-deal-174541440.html?src=rss
|
Engadget is a web magazine with obsessive daily coverage of everything new in gadgets and consumer electronics
| Link | https://www.engadget.com/ |
| Feed | https://www.engadget.com/rss.xml |
| Copyright | copyright Yahoo 2025 |
| Updated | 2025-06-27 15:32 |
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GE8H)
Instagram is rolling out an app update that is surprisingly robust, bringing a whole bunch of new features to content creators. First and foremost, there's finally some new camera filters, which should shake things up for a while. These filters range from subtle color edits" to more expressive and stylized options.There are some other minor Camera Roll improvements to make it easier to find what you need as you edit. These include updated previews, a refined search function and even the ability to zoom.As for video editing, there's a new undo/redo tool that lets you, surprise, undo actions and redo them with the press of a button. Instagram also says it's testing the ability to scale, crop and rotate individual clips as part of the editing process. The audio tools are also getting some love, as you can pull audio clips from a dedicated media hub to accompany a Reel. Followers can remix this content as they see it. If this sounds a lot like TikTok, well, that's because it is.To that end, there are 10 new English text-to-speech voices to choose from, though they are only available in select countries for now. Additionally, there are six new text fonts and styles available to caption up your Reels or Stories, in addition to bolded outlines that should really make your copy pop. Hopefully.InstagramIf you really want to make something weird, Instagram now allows you to pull any part of a photo or video and turn it into a custom sticker. This also works the other way around, so users can pull eligible content from a favorite creator and turn it into a sticker. This particular tool was aided in development by Meta's custom Segment Anything AI.Finally, there are some updated tools for creators to keep track of their slow and steady rise to viral fame. The Retention Chart will offer a moment-by-moment insight into how many people are watching your content, though it's not rolling out for a couple of months. The rest of these tools are available today.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/instagram-update-adds-new-camera-filters-and-video-editing-tools-for-content-creators-171537564.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Malak Saleh on (#6GE4Q)
In a trial run by Verve Therapeutics, a Cambridge-based biotech company, researchers discovered that a single infusion of a gene-editing treatment called VERVE-101 was able to reduce cholesterol levels in patients. This treatment was tested in individuals with hereditary conditions that made them susceptible to developing clogged arteries and heart attacks. Scientists were able to use CRISPR editing techniques to tweak liver gene cells. The researchers turned off" a cholesterol-raising gene called PCSK9, which is found in the liver, in order to lower LDL-C - sometimes called "bad" cholesterol -which causes plaque to build up in arteries in the first place.PCSK9 was lowered by as much as 84 percent in the cohorts that received higher infusion rates of the treatment. At those higher treatment doses, Verve scientists said that the reduction of those LDL-C-related proteins lasted 2.5 years in previous studies on primates.Verve Therapeutics From a clinical standpoint, this gene editing therapy has the potential to disrupt the current standard treatment for high cholesterol. The current go-to's include prescription statins and PCSK9 inhibitors, but they require strict adherence and can have bad side effects like muscle pain and memory loss.CRISPR, while seemingly miraculous, is a long way from replacing daily medications though. According to Nature, two of the 10 participants in the study suffered from a cardiovascular event" that coincided with the infusion. Verve says one was not related to the treatment at all and the second was potentially related to treatment due to proximity to dosing." The use of a gene-editing technology will always carry some risk because the edits could occur elsewhere in the genome.Before a single infusion therapy for high cholesterol can reach consumers, the FDA mandates that the treatment will need to be studied for up to 15 years. Verve recently received FDA clearance for an Investigational New Drug Application for VERVE-101, meaning that the company can begin to conduct trials in the US. The current trials in New Zealand and the United Kingdom will look for willing clinical trial participants to expand the study.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/researchers-developed-a-gene-editing-technology-that-reduces-bad-cholesterol-170040293.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Kris Holt on (#6GE4R)
Tablets are always going to be popular items during Black Friday sales. They make for great gifts, and it's as good a time as any to pick one up for yourself if you've been on the fence. Google's Pixel Tablet is a solid choice, especially if you lean more toward Android than iOS (or iPadOS).The 128GB version of the 11-inch Pixel Tablet has dropped back down to its all-time-low price of $399 at Amazon ahead of Black Friday. That's $100 off the regular price. If you opt for the porcelain variant with 128GB of storage, you can get a case (which is normally $80) at no extra cost. Either way, the tablet comes with a charging dock. Meanwhile, the 256GB model is also $100 off at $499 - there's no SD card slot to expand the storage, unfortunately.We gave the Pixel Tablet a score of 85 in our review in June. Being able to plop the tablet onto the dock (which has a built-in speaker) is a big selling point as that effectively turns the tablet into a smart display. In this mode, you can use the tablet to stream music and video, control and monitor smart home devices, display your favorite photos and more. Thanks to Google Assistant, you'll be able to do much of this hands free. That said, the dock perhaps doesn't position the tablet at the most flattering angle for video calls. The case that you can get for free with the 128GB model handily has a kickstand.The performance is fairly snappy thanks to the Tensor G2 chipset, while the 2,560 x 1,600 LCD display is decent enough (although being limited to a 60Hz refresh rate is a drag). You should get a full day of use out of the tablet before you need to recharge the 5,000mAh battery. Google is also promising OS updates through at least June 2026 and security updates for two years beyond that at minimum.On the downside, the lack of a headphone jack is galling. During our review period, we ran into a few software hiccups while the tablet was in Hub Mode as well. Overall, the Pixel Tablet isn't quite as compelling as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 series when it comes to our pick for the best Android tablet. However, it's still a strong choice for a more budget-friendly Android tablet. It's significantly less expensive than Samsung's models, especially during this sale.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-pixel-tablet-is-100-off-in-early-black-friday-sale-164321754.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GE4S)
Microsoft is offering a steep, and relatively rare, discount on the Surface Pro 9 hybrid tablet as part of a larger Black Friday sales event. The savings fluctuate depending on which model you purchase, but you could save $800 on the absolute top-of-the-line model with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, bringing the price down to $1,800 from $2,600. This is a record-low deal for this particular SKU.The discounted models offer 8GB to 32GB of RAM and 256GB to 1TB of solid-state storage. You have your choice between the 12th Gen Intel i5, the 12th Gen Intel i7, Microsoft's proprietary Arm-based SQ2 chip or even the latest SQ3 chip. With this in mind, discounts range from $50 all the way to the aforementioned $800. Unfortunately, these deals don't ship with a keyboard or a stylus.There has been some confusion between the Arm-based models and the Intel models. Simply put, the Intel models are for power users and the Arm-based models are more for general use. Yes, even though the SQ chips are newer, the Intel chips are faster. In our review of last year's Surface Pro 9 SQ3, we called it a compromised machine compared to its Intel-based siblings.With that said, the Surface line is well-regarded for a number of reasons. The 13-inch screen is gorgeous, the form factor is on-point and Microsoft makes it easy to source replacement parts, unlike certain rivals.These deals are also available on Amazon, if that's your preferred retail experience. You can grab an Intel i7 version with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of solid-state storage for $1,100, a savings of $500. You can also grab the aforementioned flagship tablet for $1,800, the same price as ordering directly from Microsoft. The company's wider Black Friday deal also offers discounts on the Laptop 5 and Laptop Studio 2, among others.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-black-friday-deals-discount-the-surface-pro-9-by-up-to-800-161628594.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Katie Malone on (#6GE4V)
Google's Threat Analysis Group revealed on Thursday that it discovered and worked to help patch an email server flaw used to steal data from governments in Greece, Moldova, Tunisia, Vietnam and Pakistan. The exploit, known as CVE-2023-37580, targeted email server Zimbra Collaboration to pilfer email data, user credentials and authentication tokens from organizations.It started in Greece at the end of June. Attackers that discovered the vulnerability and sent emails to a government organization containing the exploit. If someone clicked the link while logged into their Zimbra account, it automatically stole email data and set up auto-forwarding to take control of the address.While Zimbra published a hotfix on open source platform Github on July 5, most of the activity deploying the exploit happened afterward. That means targets didn't get around to updating the software with the fix until it was too late. It's a good reminder to update the devices you've been ignoring now, and ASAP as more updates become available. "These campaigns also highlight how attackers monitor open-source repositories to opportunistically exploit vulnerabilities where the fix is in the repository, but not yet released to users," the Google Threat Analysis Group wrote in a blog post.Around mid-July, it became clear that threat group Winter Vivern got ahold of the exploit. Winter Vivern targeted government organizations in Moldova and Tunisia. Then, a third unknown actor used the exploit to phish for credentials from members of the Vietnam government. That data got published to an official government domain, likely run by the attackers. The final campaign Google's Threat Analysis Group detailed targeted a government organization in Pakistan to steal Zimbra authentication tokens, a secure piece of information used to access locked or protected information.Zimbra users were also the target of a mass-phishing campaign earlier this year. Starting in April, an unknown threat actor sends an email with a phishing link in an HTML file, according to ESET researchers. Before that, in 2022, threat actors used a different Zimbra exploit to steal emails from European government and media organizations.As of 2022, Zimbra said it had more than 200,000 customers, including over 1,000 government organizations. "The popularity of Zimbra Collaboration among organizations expected to have lower IT budgets ensures that it stays an attractive target for adversaries," ESET researchers said about why attackers target Zimbra.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/an-email-vulnerability-let-hackers-steal-data-from-governments-around-the-world-160005510.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Jeff Dunn on (#6GDXW)
We consider Google's Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro the best Android phones for most people, and right now both handsets are on sale for the lowest prices we've tracked. As part of an early Black Friday sale, the 6.7-inch Pixel 8 Pro has dropped to $799 at various retailers, while the 6.2-inch Pixel 8 is on sale for $549. That's $200 off the usual going rate of the Pixel 8 Pro and a $150 discount for the Pixel 8. These prices are for unlocked models with 128GB of storage; if you need more space, the 256GB Pixel 8 is available for $609, which is another $150 discount. The 256GB and 512GB versions of the Pixel 8 Pro, meanwhile, are both $200 off at $859 and $979, respectively. The deals apply to each color finish of the two devices.We gave the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro scores of 90 and 93, respectively, in our review last month. Both phones offer a vivid OLED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, solid battery life, speedy performance via Google's Tensor G3 chip, a typically clean take on Android and superb photo quality. The cameras are particularly aided by a handful of AI editing tools: An "Audio Magic Eraser" feature does a convincing job of eliminating ambient noise from video clips, for example, while "Best Take" stitches together the best results from a series of group photos, so someone who blinked or sneezed during one shot won't do so in the final product. (Philosophical questions over the intrusiveness of AI aside, this actually does work.)Perhaps the biggest feature, though, is Google's promise to provide OS and security updates for a full seven years. Yes, you'll almost certainly want to buy a new phone before 2030, but this extended support means there should be less pressure to upgrade down the line.If money is no object, the Pixel 8 Pro is the better of the two: Its camera system comes with a sharper ultrawide lens and a dedicated 5x telephoto lens, it supports more advanced controls in the camera app, its display is slightly brighter and sharper and its battery lasts a bit longer. Its matte-glass back feels a little nicer in the hand, and the screen supports a wider variable refresh rate range (1-120Hz instead of 60-120Hz). Still, the standard Pixel 8 gets you most of the way there for less cash, and its smaller frame is easier to hold with one hand. Our biggest problem with both phones is that they're priced $100 higher than their Pixel 7 counterparts, but these deals help lessen the blow.If you want a more affordable Android phone, the Pixel 7a is also on sale for $374, which is a $125 discount and an all-time low. That 6.1-inch phone is a step down from the Pixel 8 in most aspects, but it's still our top recommendation for Android fans who can't spend more than $500 on a new handset. In other Pixel deals, the Pixel Buds Pro are down to $120 - that's within a dollar of the lowest price we've seen for the "best for Android" pick in our wireless earbuds buying guide.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-pixel-8-and-pixel-8-pro-are-up-to-200-off-in-a-google-black-friday-deal-140005289.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Sarah Fielding on (#6GDXX)
Early Black Friday sales have been steadily rolling in, but few have been as practical heading into the long winter months as Google's Nest Thermostat. The smart thermostat is typically $130 but is currently just $90 - a 31 percent discount and only $10 more than its all-time low.Google's Nest Thermostat came on the scene in 2020 as a cheaper but solid alternative to its Nest Learning Thermostat (retailing at $240). Both devices have the same goal: to save energy and money. The standard Nest Thermostat is Energy Star-certified and turns the temperature down when you leave to avoid any waste. If you're heading home sooner than expected (or staying out later, for that matter), you can adjust the heat schedule right on the app from your phone, tablet or laptop.While it can be a big help with keeping those heating bills in check, Google's Nest Thermostat should work just as well with your air conditioning system come summer. Plus, it also provides tips for both through the Savings Finder on ways to adjust your heating or cooling schedule to save even more money.The thermostat isn't the only Nest product offering a solid deal ahead of Black Friday. The Google Nest Wireless Doorbell is down to $120 from $180 - one of a trio of Nest products currently at their all-time low price. Rounding out the sale is the Google Nest Indoor Wired Security Camera for $70 from $97 and the two-pack Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro with Wi-Fi 6E available for $200, down from $300.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-nest-thermostat-drops-to-90-in-a-black-friday-deal-133052800.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Sarah Fielding on (#6GDXY)
YouTube on Thursday unveiled some new experimental AI services, including a feature called Dream Track in YouTube Shorts. It creates up to 30-second soundtracks using AI-generation versions of artists' voices. Though musicians have mostly pushed back on AI (and their voices being used for training models without permission or compensation), YouTube got nine big names from the music industry to participate, including John Legend, Troye Sivan, CharliXCX and T-Pain. The company hoped to announce the feature at its Made on YouTube event in September, but it's been tied up in negotiations with recording companies over rights and payments.Users can access Dream Track by typing an idea into the creation prompt and choosing from one of the participating artists. It uses Google DeepMind's Lyria - a new, powerful music generation model designed specifically for creating high-quality vocals and instrumentals while giving the user more control over the final product. Any content Lyria produces will also have a SynthID watermark, denoting it as such.Charlie Puth and T-Pain created sample Dream Tracks, which YouTube has shared as inspiration. However, many of the artists involved expressed their apprehension about AI but hoped that collaborative work could create positive, non-exploitative opportunities. "When I was first approached by YouTube I was cautious and still am, AI is going to transform the world and the music industry in ways we do not yet fully understand," singer CharliXCX said. "This experiment will offer a small insight into the creative opportunities that could be possible and I'm interested to see what comes out of it."Music AI Tools are also coming to YouTube, in collaboration with its Music AI Incubator. These tools can create guitar riffs from a hummed melody or turn a pop track into a reggaeton anthem. Producer and songwriter, Louis Bell, created a sample video to showcase it.YouTube is walking a fine line as it navigates the careful balance of introducing AI tools and protecting against misuse. The video platform recently announced new policies for labeling videos made using AI and letting public figures, such as musicians, report deepfakes.Dream Track is currently only available to a select group of creators and artists, whereas participants of the Music AI Incubator should be able to test the tools out later this year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtubes-first-ai-generated-music-tools-can-clone-artist-voices-and-turn-hums-into-melodies-132025817.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GDXZ)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is keeping a close eye on internet providers to make sure they provide Americans with equal access to broadband services regardless of customers' "income level, race, ethnicity, color, religion or national origin." Two years after the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law became official, the FCC has adopted a final set of relevant rules to enforce.The Commission will have the power to investigate possible instances of "digital discrimination" under the new rules and could penalize providers for violating them. It could, for instance, look into a company's pricing, network upgrades and maintenance procedures to decide whether a provider is keeping an affluent area well maintained while failing to provide the same level of service to a low-income area.As The Wall Street Journal explains, it could even hold companies like AT&T and Comcast liable even if they weren't intentionally discriminatory, as long as their actions "differentially impact consumers' access to broadband." If the FCC does receive complaints against a particular provider, though, it will take into account any technical and economic challenges it may be facing that prevents it from providing equal access to its services.According to The Journal, the FCC approved the new rules in a 3-2 vote. Their critics - mainly internet providers and Republican members of the Congress - argued that the decision could affect investments and that the commission is taking things too far by penalizing unintentional discrimination. But FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel found the rules to be reasonable, especially since the agency will "accept genuine reasons of technical and economic feasibility as valid reasons."In addition to adopting a set of rules for digital discrimination, the FCC has also updated its protections against SIM swapping and port-out scams. It will now require wireless providers to notify customers immediately when a SIM change or a port-out is requested for their account and phone number. Further, providers are required to take additional steps to protect their subscribers from the schemes. Finally, the FCC has voted to begin a formal inquiry to look into the impact of artificial intelligence on robocalls. It could, after all, be used to block unwanted voice and text messages, but it could also be used to more easily defraud people through calls and texts.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-fcc-will-crack-down-on-isps-to-improve-connectivity-in-poorer-areas-125041256.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Daniel Cooper on (#6GDV1)
November 24 might be a few days away yet, but that hasn't stopped swathes of the industry from posting their deals early. Engadget's crack team of coupon-heads has pored over countless listings to find you some absolutely jaw-dropping bargains. That includes hefty bits of cash knocked off the price of a new Mac Mini M2, iPad, Meta Quest and Apple Watch. Even better, you can pick up a pair of Sony XM5s, long regarded as the best in their class, for just $328. Well, you can. Your humble narrator is in the UK, so is ineligible to grab any of these utterly sweet early deals.- Dan CooperYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest stories you might have missedWhatsApp chats backed up to Google Drive will soon take up storage spaceAmazon's dinky Astro robot is now available as a security guardYouTube rolls out high bitrate 1080p to all Premium subscribersGoogle's updated Titan security key can store up to 250 passkeysThe best VR accessoriesThe best gifts for teachersApple's iPad Air M1 drops to a record-low $500 in an Amazon Black Friday dealNetflix's stop-motion Pokemon show arrives on December 28Lawmakers question Apple over cancellation of Jon Stewart's showOfficials want to know if the rumors are true.The Problem with Jon Stewart was, in theory, the ideal vehicle for the combative former Daily Show host. A well-heeled venture where Stewart could go deep on tough political topics, backed by a megacorporation too rich to be cowed by advertiser pressure. Except, so the rumors go, Apple pulled the plug on the series to prevent episodes critical of AI and China. Now, a bipartisan group from the House of Representatives is querying what happened and why.Continue Reading.$1,900 Tesla Cyberquad is on sale again, less likely to maim childrenRadio Flyer has updated the model to meet (checks notes) basic safety standards.Radio Flyer / TeslaRadio Flyer has announced its kids' version of the Tesla Cyberquad is back on sale, now with less risk to its rider. It launched back in 2021, only for the Consumer Product Safety Commission to recall it for not meeting safety standards. Now, it's back for $1,900, plus the cost of a helmet and some knee and elbow pads (not included).Continue Reading.The Analogue Pocket will soon come in 8 Game Boy Pocket/Advance colorsThey look beautiful.AnalogueThe Game Boy-aping Analogue Pocket will soon be available in eight gorgeous new colors to give us all some retro-gaming feels. Given they're limited editions, and Analogue units sell out pretty quick, you'd better have your fingers ready when pre-orders open on November 17.Continue Reading. Master & Dynamic MW09 review: Premium materials, impeccable clarityGorgeous, expensive and... not as good as its cheaper rivals.Photo by Billy Steele / EngadgetMaster & Dynamic hasn't quite become a dominant, class-topping force in the world of true wireless earbuds. Its latest entry, the MW09, has been put through its paces by audio guru Billy Steele. Sadly, while it's an improvement on previous offerings, it's still not good enough to whip better, more affordable products into shape.Continue Reading.Researchers printed a robotic hand with bones, ligaments and tendons for the first timeYes, it does remind us of Westworld.ETH Zurich / Thomas BuchnerA significant development in 3D printing technology may have far-reaching implications for the future of medical prostheses and soft robots. Researchers printed a hand with tendons, ligaments and bones, making them simultaneously rather than separately. The technique offers more durability and flexibility, making it the ideal basis for complex prostheses.Continue Reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-the-best-early-black-friday-deals-for-2023-121527436.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Will Shanklin on (#6GDV2)
Google is scaling up Search Generative Experience (SGE) for holiday shopping. The company announced Thursday that its AI-powered search bot can now spit out gift ideas, photorealistic images of product types and virtual try-ons of men's tops.Google SGE launched in May, offering AI-driven answers and suggestions to complement the search engine's standard web results. The company has since added follow-up queries, better translations and interactive definitions in more complex subjects. The tool requires Chrome on desktop or the Google mobile app on smartphones.GoogleThe search giant says 20 percent of apparel searches are five words or longer, suggesting people often look for something particular when seeking info about fashion products. Now, Google SGE can generate photorealistic images" of the item you're picturing. You can then tweak the image with follow-up prompts before SGE uses the generated output as a foundation to search for actual products it thinks come the closest.Let's say you want a new winter coat - a colorful, patterned puffer jacket - and you haven't found quite what you're looking for," wrote Julie Black, Google's Director of Shopping Product, in an announcement blog post. With generative AI in Search, just look for that style and tap the Generate images' button to see photorealistic, generated images that match your vision. From there, you can refine the images in real time - so if you'd prefer a colorful metallic jacket instead of patterned, just enter that refinement in the text box. Then you'll see a new set of photorealistic images. Once you've found one you like, just scroll down to see similar shoppable products."GoogleGoogle also wants SGE to help you formulate the perfect gift. If you search for great gifts for home cooks" on a compatible device / browser combo, it can produce ideas organized into subcategories like specialty tools, artisanal ingredients, culinary subscriptions and cooking classes. Google says you can refine the query to be ultra-specific, using examples like gifts for home cooks who love pasta or gift ideas for a seven-year-old who wants to be an inventor.Google SGE added virtual clothing try-ons for women's tops in June, which the company says have led to significantly more high-quality interactions from shoppers." Virtual try-ons for men's tops arrive today. If you search for women's or men's tops from a supported brand, you'll see 40 virtual models representing different shapes, sizes, heights and skin tones. You can choose one that looks the closest to you or the person you're shopping for to get an AI-powered view of how the product may look on them. Supported labels at launch include Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic, JCrew and Under Armour.If you haven't already enrolled, you'll need to activate SGE for your account before trying it. Visit the Search Labs page or activate SGE in the Google app by tapping the beaker icon on the upper left.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-ai-powered-search-tool-can-help-tackle-your-holiday-shopping-120028149.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Sarah Fielding on (#6GDV3)
Countless aspects of generative AI have caused rampant debate, including its access to copyrighted material. Now, the vice president of audio at Stability AI, Ed Newton-Rex, has resigned due to his belief that training generative AI models using copyrighted content doesn't qualify as "fair use," he wrote in an op-ed on Music Business Worldwide. He joins the likes of artists such as Bad Bunny, who recently spoke out against a viral TikTok song that used AI to mimic his voice.Meanwhile, AI companies have steadfastly supported fair use (training models with copyrighted material without asking permission or providing compensation), and Newton-Rex's decision marks a unique change from the norm. In his public resignation letter, Newton-Rex explains that he believes Stability AI has a more "nuanced view" than some of its competitors. However, he had an issue with the company's recent submission to the United States Copyright Office, which argued that AI development should fall under fair use."I disagree because one of the factors affecting whether the act of copying is fair use, according to Congress, is 'the effect of the use upon the potential market for or value of the copyrighted work,'" Newton-Rex stated. "Today's generative AI models can clearly be used to create works that compete with the copyrighted works they are trained on. So I don't see how using copyrighted works to train generative AI models of this nature can be considered fair use."Newton-Rex is a published classical composer and founded Jukedeck, which created music using AI, in 2012. He became the product director of TikTok's in-house AI lab after the company purchased Jukedeck in 2019 and subsequently worked at Voicey (acquired by Snap) before joining Stability AI in November 2022.Ironically, there's also been an (as yet unsuccessful) push to protect AI-produced work. In August, a judge upheld the US Copyright Office's decision that AI-generated art can't be copyrighted, stating, "Human authorship is a bedrock requirement of copyright."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai-music-pioneer-quits-after-disagreement-over-fair-use-of-copyrighted-works-114546092.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GDV4)
Even though Facebook has been moving away from providing its users with easy access to news over the past year, it apparently still remains a go-to source for current affairs in the US. According to Pew Research, three out of ten adults in the country still regularly get their news from Facebook, which has outpaced all the other social media websites in the center's study. YouTube comes next in the list, with 26 percent of US adults getting news from the video hosting website, while Instagram takes third place with 16 percent. While apparently not as popular as the first three when it comes to news, TikTok (14 percent), X (12 percent) and Reddit (8 percent) also serve as news sources for the US populace.When it was reported a year ago that Meta will no longer be paying publishers to run their content on Facebook's News Tab, a spokesperson said "[m]ost people do not come to Facebook for news, and as a business it doesn't make sense to over-invest in areas that don't align with user preferences." But according to the study, 43 percent of users still get their news regularly from the platform. That is, however, admittedly smaller than the 54 percent of users who used to go to the social network to keep themselves updated and read about the latest events back in 2020. Meanwhile, 43 percent of TikTok users say they're getting news from the app now, compared to 22 percent three years ago. Out of all the social networks in the study, though, X (formerly known as Twitter) has the highest percentage of users (53 percent) who go to the website for news.Based on the study's responders, men mostly rely on Reddit to keep them abreast of current events, followed by Twitter and YouTube. Meanwhile, women consume news from Nextdoor the most, followed by Facebook and Instagram. In addition, most of the people who get their news from social media are Democrats or lean Democratic, though "there is no significant partisan difference among news consumers on Facebook, X or Nextdoor." Bottom line is, a lot of people still look to social media websites to read about the latest happenings and new information as they come out. These companies will have to continue keeping a close eye on the spread of misinformation on their platforms, even if they do decide not to focus on news anymore.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/three-in-ten-us-adults-still-get-their-news-from-facebook-110526907.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GDRV)
Unity just announced that its Muse AI platform is officially available as an early access build for general use. Originally unveiled back in July, Muse is a package of AI-powered tools intended to streamline the game development process, particularly for those who lack the time or patience for intensive coding. It costs $30 per month.Unity Muse is described as an ever-expanding suite of AI-powered features" made for developers of all skill levels. The platform lets you source usable code by interacting with a chatbot. This bot will also answer any questions you may have about what to do next, as it has complete access to the platform's resource library. These types of bots are becoming a key tool in the game designer's arsenal.There's also a tool designed specifically to streamline the creation of 2D sprites, which is perfect for all of you budding Metroidvania designers out there. It'll automatically generate sprites that match predetermined parameters and will give you several variations, allowing you to pick the best match.Muse offers a similar process to generate textures appropriate for use in both 2D and 3D projects. The sprite and texture tools have been trained entirely on data and images that Unity owns or has licensed. This ensures the platform won't accidentally run afoul of any copyright law. Unity says Muse results will never contain any people, logos or recognizable artistic styles."The company says that the sprite and texture tools are just the beginning. In the coming months, Muse will boast AI mechanisms for animating characters and for setting NPC behaviors, among other tasks. You won't need to code to do any of it, which is becoming something of a trend in the industry. Muse subscribers also get access to a rapid-prototyping and collaboration platform called Sketch.The availability of Muse wasn't the only announcement at today's Unity Unite conference. The company also provided more details on Sentis, a forthcoming AI-powered neural engine that goes well beyond sprites and textures, as it can solve complicated coding problems and even create new in-game features from scratch. Sentis is currently in open beta and will launch to the public sometime next year.The company also announced a set of cloud-connected tools to further assist with collaborations and it offered up some availability details on the long-awaited Unity 6. It's coming next year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/unity-launches-a-suite-of-ai-tools-intended-to-simplify-game-creation-100039970.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Steve Dent on (#6GDRW)
Tags are a key way to seek out content on social media, but so far they've been missing on Meta's fledgling Threads platform. That's changing soon, however, as the feature is now in testing on Threads in Australia "with more countries coming soon," Mark Zuckerberg wrote in a new thread.You create a tag in the usual way by placing a hash before a word, which then displays in blue text without the hash - much as mentions work in Facebook. To seek out topics, type a hash plus a keyword into the search field to see a list of relevant posts, as one does on Instagram. So far, it's limited to a single tag per post, likely to discourage hashtag spamming - though that may change, as Meta said the feature is still a work in progress.Despite still not being in Europe, Threads has shown consistent growth and now counts nearly 100 million monthly active users, Zuckerberg wrote last month. The app recently gained a few key features like the ability to delete your threads profile without killing your Instagram account and avoid automatically sharing Threads posts with Facebook and Instagram. It also added pinned posts, and Instagram boss Adam Mosseri hinted that DMs may (or may not) be done via Instagram's inbox.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/threads-introduces-tags-to-help-users-categorize-posts-092650879.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GDQ7)
Workers at Sega of America are accusing the video game company of "bad faith bargaining with workers" for its plan to lay off dozens of temporary workers. The publisher known for franchises that include Sonic the Hedgehog and Yakuza is now facing an unfair labor practice complaint filed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). In April, 200 people in various departments across the company overwhelmingly voted in favor of unionization and formed the Allied Employees Guild Improving Sega (AEGIS-CWA) under the CWA. Now, Sega allegedly intends to lay off 80 of those unionized workers.In its complaint, the CWA explained that it's been in bargaining with Sega since September. On November 6, Sega apparently presented the organization with a proposal to phase out of all its temporary employees by taking their work offshore to the company's offices in Europe and Japan by February 2024. Those temporary employees make up 40 percent of the union's bargaining unit and mostly work in quality assurance and localization, which the group describes as "critical to Sega's success."The afternoon after their meeting, the CWA said Sega presented its proposal to the affected employees through captive audience meetings. "We believe this is a clear case of bad faith bargaining," the CWA wrote in its complaint, since Sega dealt directly with the union members and "violated status quo" by telling them they're losing their jobs."Sega will not be allowed to get away with this unlawful behavior," Elise Willacker, Senior QA Tester Temp, said in a statement. "We call on the company to make all temporary employees permanent and return to the bargaining table in good faith. There is no other just alternative." As Kotaku notes, the organization's complaint is now in the hands of the National Labor Relations Board, but it may take a while to resolve and may not prevent the layoffs from taking place.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/sega-faces-unfair-labor-practice-complaint-for-planned-mass-layoff-of-union-members-073046095.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GDNV)
In September, Google opened its AI-powered search experience to teens in the US, giving them access to richer results with additional information and links. Now, the company has also given teens in most countries around the world access to its Bard AI chatbot, as long as their language is set to English and they meet the minimum age needed to be able to manage their own Google account. Take note that the minimum age requirement differs across countries, but it's anywhere from 13 to 16 years old.Google says teens can ask Bard for writing tips, such as how to write a class president speech, for suggestions on what universities to apply to, as well as for help on coming up with science fair project ideas. In other words, questions kids their age are likely to Google. The company is also adding a math learning experience, so teen users can type in a math question or upload a photo of it, and the chatbot can show them its step-by-step solution.Similar to when it opened Search Generative Experience (SGE) to minors, Google says it put "appropriate safeguards" in place. The company trained Bard to recognize inappropriate content for younger users, so that it wouldn't return any illegal or age-gated responses.In addition, Bard will automatically run its double-check response feature when a teen user asks their first fact-based question, because they might not be aware of a common phenomenon called "hallucination" in LLMs. When a generative AI chatbot is hallucinating, it means it's giving nonsensical and inaccurate responses. Google says it will soon run double-check, which means returning Google results for a question, for all new Bard users in the future. For teens, it will keep recommending the use of double-check even after their first question "to help them develop information literacy and critical thinking skills."Finally, Google has designed an onboarding process especially for younger teens, including showing them the video embedded below.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-is-giving-teens-around-the-world-access-to-its-bard-ai-chatbot-061452172.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GDMF)
SpaceX aims to send Starship to space for its second test flight on November 17, now that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given it the clearance to do so. The company completed its next-generation spacecraft's first fully integrated launch in April, but it wasn't able to meet all its objectives, including having its upper stage fly across our planet before re-entering the atmosphere and splashing down in the ocean near Hawaii. SpaceX had to intentionally blow up the vehicle in the sky after an onboard fire had prevented its two stages from separating.
|
 |
by Richard Lai on (#6GDKF)
Good news for hardcore Neon Genesis Evangelion fans who spent $700 (or more) on ASUS' special edition motherboard! The PC maker announced that it will be offering a free fix for the embarrassing typo - "EVANGENLION" instead of "EVANGELION" - on the ROG Maximus Z790 Hero EVA-02 Edition. This will come in the form of a replacement part printed with the correct spelling, so users can directly swap out the original decorative piece. To show that the company understands "the significance of this matter," it's also extending the warranty by one year, even though "the misprint is purely aesthetic and does not affect any functionality or performance."Meanwhile, the offending typo has already disappeared from ASUS' website, but you can still spot the extra "n" in the original product shots on Amazon and Micro Center.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/asus-offers-free-fix-for-evangelion-typo-on-motherboard-020129844.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GDKG)
Hyundai just announced that its forthcoming Ioniq 5 N electric vehicle will go on sale next March via approved retailers, in addition to officially unveiling the car to US-based consumers at AutoMobility LA. The Ioniq 5 N was first teased back in July, so it's nice to have a definitive release date, despite the lack of pricing information.The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the company's first N-branded EV, which is basically a sub-brand dedicated to high-performance vehicles. To that end, this upgraded version of the standard Ioniq 5 EV can go from zero to 60 MPH in just over three seconds, with a top speed of 161 MPH. As a reference point, that older Ioniq 5 maxes out at 115 MPH. The dual motors of the Ioniq 5 N create 641 Horsepower (478 kW) with the proprietary N Grin Boost engaged.This is an electric vehicle, so the battery requires some attention. The Ioniq 5 N's newly-designed 84 kWH battery features a thermal regulation system to reduce heat-induced power degradation. To that end, you'll go from 10 percent to 80 percent of juice in just 18 minutes, when connected to a DCFC 350 kW charger.This vehicle is also outfitted with plenty of high-performance features, many of them with the company's preferred N" nomenclature. There's the specially-tuned N R-MDPS (Rack-Mounted Motor-Driven Power Steering) system, the N Pedal system for responsive handling, the N Drift Optimizer for maintaining the perfect drift angle and the N Brake Regen system to help conserve that all-important juice, among others.HyundaiThere's also a greater emphasis on driver feedback, to allow for more precise control during difficult driving conditions. This is aided by the integrated 10-speaker sound system. All aspects of the vehicle, from the steering wheel to the pedals, feature N-branded elements. Finally, there's a newly-designed control center complete with a sliding armrest, knee pads, shin support, USB-C ports, a wireless charger and, the techiest feature of all, cupholders.As previously mentioned, the Ioniq 5 N goes on sale next March, with pricing to come at a later date. The standard Ioniq 5 starts at $39,700, so it'll be more than that, likely much more than that.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/hyundais-high-performance-ioniq-5-n-ev-goes-on-sale-in-acmarch-020047724.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Malak Saleh on (#6GDDJ)
Synex Medical, a Toronto-based biotech research firm backed by Sam Altman (the CEO of OpenAI), has developed a tool that can measure your blood glucose levels without a finger prick. It uses a combination of low-field magnets and low-frequency radio waves to directly measure blood sugar levels non-invasively when a user inserts a finger into the device.The tool uses magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), which is similar to an MRI. Jamie Near, an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto who specializes in the research of MRS technology told Engadget that, [an] MRI uses magnetic fields to make images of the distribution of hydrogen protons in water that is abundant in our body tissues. In MRS, the same basic principles are used to detect other chemicals that contain hydrogen." When a user's fingertip is placed inside the magnetic field, the frequency of a specific molecule, in this case glucose, is measured in parts per million. While the focus was on glucose for this project, MRS could be used to measure metabolites, according to the Synex, including lactate, ketones and amino acids.Synex MedicalMatthew Rosen, a Harvard physicist whose research spans from fundamental physics to bioimaging in the field of MRI, told Engadget that he thinks the device is clever" and a great idea." Magnetic resonance technology is a common technique used for chemical analysis of compounds, however, traditional resonance technologies operate at high magnetic fields and they're very expensive.Synex found a way to get clear readings from low magnetic fields. They've overcome the challenges really by developing a method that has high sensitivity and high specificity," Rosen says. Honestly, I have been doing magnetic resonance for thirty years. I never thought people could do glucose with a benchtop machine... you could do it with a big machine no problem."Professor Andre Simpson, a researcher and center director at the University of Toronto also told Engadget that he thinks Synex's device is the real deal." MRI machines can fit an entire human body and have been used to target molecule concentrations in the brain through localized spectroscopy," he explained. Synex has shrunk this technology to measure concentrations in a finger. I have reviewed their white paper and seen the instrument work." Simpson said Synex's ability to retrofit MRS technology into a small box is an engineering feat.
|
 |
by Cheyenne MacDonald on (#6GDDK)
Amazon has begun notifying Comixology users that they'll no longer be able to read comics on the app come December 4. Comixology is merging with the Kindle app, and users' libraries will soon only be accessible via the latter. The move caps off the ruination of Comixology that began nearly two years ago, when Amazon started chipping away at the platform's native features and general usability in order to force a fit with its own ecosystem.The Comixology app will officially be dead as of December 4, according to Amazon. From that point on, all of the comics, manga and graphic novels a user has purchased or borrowed on Comixology will live exclusively in the Kindle app. While Amazon says things like reading progress will be synced, you'll have to redownload everything in the Kindle app if you want to pick up where you left off, even on the same device. There are filters to see Comics & Manga" or Books" only, for anyone not thrilled about having it all jumbled together.The writing was on the wall for Comixology for some time, and while the termination of the app may not entirely come as a surprise for longtime users, it's surely a bummer. Amazon has owned Comixology since 2014, but only in recent years has it really started to impose its influence on the product in a noticeable way.
|
 |
by Pranav Dixit on (#6GDDM)
A set of features rolling out to Google Photos today will make it much easier to declutter your photo library, the company announced in a blog post. Google Photos will now automatically identify similar photos that you took in rapid succession - helpful for those times when you clicked 50 shots of that gorgeous sunset to get the one perfect frame you will never look at again - and group them in a single stack" to clean up your library.The service will select a top pick that best represents the moment, but you can manually choose an image you want too. If you prefer to have multiple sunsets littering your library, you can turn off stacking.GooglePhotos will also automatically organize your pictures, separating IDs, receipts, and tickets into different albums, a feature that seems like it should have been there ages ago given how good Google Photos is at recognizing what's in your images. You can also add an event to your calendar directly from a screenshot or a photo of a ticket, which seems really useful.Unsurprisingly, Google says that all these features are powered by AI, something that the company has lately been cramming into all its products in general. Google Photos, however, has always been powered by AI. For years, the service sucked up all your photos and stored them in exchange for training its machine learning algorithms on them to be able to recognize their contents. That's why you can search Google Photos for pictures of dogs or the beach, for instance, so easily (Google stopped providing free storage for Photos a couple of years ago).Earlier this year, Google added another AI-powered feature to Photos that creates personalized scrapbook montages. Google's algorithms sort your photos into relevant categories and create titles that you can modify if you want. Google also lets people use AI to easily make edits, such as removing unwanted people or objects from photos.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-photos-has-new-ai-powered-features-to-clean-up-your-library-204512642.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Stephanie Barnes on (#6GDB3)
It's been a long time coming, but the Switch version of Outer Wilds now has an official release date of December 7, developers Annapurna Interactive and Mobius Digital announced during the Nintendo Indie World Showcase on Tuesday. Pre-orders for the digital version are now open, with a physical edition expected in early 2024.Outer Wilds is already available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 but there have clearly been some delays with the Nintendo Switch version, which was initially expected in 2021. For whatever reason, this seems to be a common issue with Nintendo Switch ports: We've reported on several other third-party publishers who have experienced setbacks in bringing their games to the Switch.For the uninitiated, the popular game launches players into space for a little exploration, but things take an unexpected turn. Players soon realize they're stuck in a time loop. They'll have just 22 minutes to figure out what's happening before the sun goes supernova and forces them to start over again and again and again. Players must use the knowledge gained from each loop to bypass earlier obstacles and make it to the end.Nintendo Switch users can purchase just Outer Wilds for $25 or Outer Wilds: Archaeologist Edition, featuring Outer Wilds and the Echoes of the Eye expansion for $38. Both editions are available for pre-order and currently 20 percent off until December 12.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/outer-wilds-is-actually-finally-coming-to-switch-in-december-195942023.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Malak Saleh on (#6GDB4)
A group of lawmakers from a House of Representatives committee wants Apple, like many Jon Stewart enthusiasts, to explain why its streaming arm abruptly canceled the talk show The Problem With Jon Stewart. The current affairs TV series hosted by Jon Stewart briefly made its debut on Apple TV+ in 2021 but its time on air ended when the show received the ax for a third season, reportedly due to disagreements" over show topics.According to Reuters, Lawmakers want to know if the show's coverage and criticism of China has anything to do with the show's cancellation. The government officials have asked Apple to speak on the issue by Dec 15, 2023.In a letter to the tech giant, the House members wrote that while Apple has the right to determine what content it deems appropriate for its platform, the coercive tactics of a foreign power should not be directly or indirectly influencing these determinations." This effort is bipartisan, with members from both Republican and Democratic parties affiliated with the House of Representatives' Select Committee on Competition with the Chinese Communist Party.
|
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GDB5)
When the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) unveiled its Qi2 charging standard earlier this year, we noted that it was built using Apple's MagSafe technology. So it only makes sense that the iPhone 15 line will be among the first smartphones to adopt the new wireless charging method. It's honestly quite rare to see Apple jumping on-board with a new technology so quickly, though the company has allowed for Qi wireless charging in the past.In other words, new wireless iPhone 15 chargers are coming soon, this holiday season as a matter of fact. The WPC says companies like Belkin, Mophie, Anker and Aircharge have all pre-announced Qi2 products that should integrate with Apple's latest and greatest. All told, over 100 devices are currently undergoing testing with an eye toward a near-future release. This includes Anker's recently-announced MagGo lineup of chargers.So what's the big deal with Qi2? The WPC advertises faster charging, higher efficiency and greater convenience. It's replacing the original Qi charging standard, which is over 13 years old now so, yeah, it's time for a refresh. The Qi2 platform offers support for 15-watt charging and boasts foreign object detection, in addition to enhanced safety features to prevent device damage or battery life shortening.Perhaps the greatest draw for Qi2, however, is with regard to interoperability. This is a new standard that should be adopted industry-wide, so you'll be able to, in theory, use one Qi2 charger with a broad range of devices, no matter where you live in the world. The protocol even allows for the charging of unusually-shaped accessories that typically struggle with a flat charging pad.All Qi2 devices will feature an obvious logo for branding purposes, so you know you aren't about to use a knockoff charger. As a final aside, it's pronounced chee two" if you find yourself at a dinner party or something. Just a heads up.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-iphone-15-series-will-work-with-the-upcoming-qi2-wireless-charging-standard-190807866.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Will Shanklin on (#6GDB6)
Cameo has added a pair of timeless superstars to its stable of celebrities (a term used loosely in some cases) available for personalized video greetings. Cookie Monster and Elmo, who may or may not have fallen on hard times, will shamelessly plug their services on the six-year-old platform, offering to count to your kid's age or rattle off words that start with the same letter as your child's name - for $25 a pop. Perhaps that relatively low price for the Sesame Street icons is because humans don't appear to record their voices: Cameo describes the characters as powered by artificial intelligence."Cookie Monster and Elmo join a Cameo crew that also includes Kenny G ($350 per message), Danica McKellar ($150) and Billy Dee Williams ($300), among many others. Other animated characters on the platform include Thomas the Tank Engine, Grumpy Bear (from Care Bears) and JJ from CoComelon.Hiya, it me, Cookie Monster," the perpetually hungry, AI-fueled blue Muppet says in a sample Cameo on the service's website. Me so excited to meet you and maybe share a cookie or two. Me love to sing Happy Birthday,' say goodnight before bedtime or just say hi. Me can't wait."Cameo / Sesame WorkshopDisclosures on the websites for the Sesame Street characters notify customers that AI powers them. Elmo is a virtual character powered by artificial intelligence," the description reads. They will take the details you give them and craft a custom video just for you!" Engadget reached out to Cameo to clarify which parts of the message are AI-generated; we'll update this article if we hear back.Whether parents will find it worth paying for personalized" greetings conjured by artificial intelligence remains to be seen. Still, at least the algorithmically created furry monster messages only cost around 12 percent of the price of Michael Rapaport.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai-powered-elmo-and-cookie-monster-are-shilling-25-video-messages-on-cameo-185614571.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Kris Holt on (#6GDB7)
It has been a year since Apple enabled emergency SOS via satellite on all iPhone 14 units in the US. The feature lets users text emergency services for help when they don't have cell service. The company is offering two years of free access upon activating an iPhone 14 or iPhone 15.Apple has not said how much it will charge for the feature when the free access period ends. However, users won't have to worry about that for a couple more years. Apple says existing iPhone 14 users (i.e. those who activated their phone before Wednesday in a country where the service is available) will get free access for an extra year."Emergency SOS via satellite has helped save lives around the world. From a man who was rescued after his car plummeted over a 400-foot cliff in Los Angeles to lost hikers found in the Apennine Mountains in Italy, we continue to hear stories of our customers being able to connect with emergency responders when they otherwise wouldn't have been able to," Kaiann Drance, Apple's vice president of worldwide iPhone product marketing, said. "We are so happy iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 users can take advantage of this groundbreaking service for two more years for free."Apple is extending the free access period for many users not long after it emerged that Qualcomm's bid to offer a similar feature on Android devices has sputtered out. Iridium, its partner on the Snapdragon Satellite project, said smartphone makers have opted not to include the tech in their devices. Qualcomm noted that OEMs are looking for "standards-based solutions." The costs involved in the initiative may have put them off too.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apple-extends-free-emergency-sos-satellite-access-for-existing-iphone-14-owners-183256442.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GD8D)
Chinese automobile manufacturer HiPhi, otherwise called Human Horizons, just unveiled the HiPhi A, an all-electric hypercar that's drenched in power. The company claims it can reach a top speed of 186 MPH and can accelerate to 60 MPH in around two seconds. The maximum power output is 1,305 PS, thanks to the company's in-house-developed high-performance powertrain with a front single-motor drive and rear dual-motor drives.The A" in HiPhi A stands for Apollo and refers to the company's technology partnership with the EV maker of the same name. Apollo's behind several innovative hypercars, including the Intensa Emozione and Project Evo models. As such, the HiPhi A is more than just raw power and all-electric bona-fides. It boasts adaptive dampers, rear-wheel steering and a proprietary torque vectoring system that the company says improves both handling and braking.There's also plenty of premium features to suit consumers with deep pockets. These include a 23-speaker Meridian audio system, nappa leather trim and a robust driver-assist platform that features 34 sensors including lidar. As is the case with most modern high-end vehicles, there's also an entertainment/infotainment screen to stave off boredom during those long road trips. This screen is attached to an eight-direction, infinitely adjustable, high-speed motion robotic arm."This is an electric vehicle, so the battery is worth discussing. The 800-volt electrical system was developed in-house and features a battery that discharges up to 1,500 kw at its peak. Those numbers look good on paper, but HiPhi has yet to provide a range estimate, despite saying that the casing is fireproof.The HiPhi A will take center stage at Friday's Guangzhou Auto Show, which will be the first time people will be able to see it in person. The company promises more information, like pricing and availability, in the coming months. It's worth noting that the brand doesn't currently operate in the US, but has recently expanded to Europe.Electric supercars are extremely expensive, so you had better start hitting up your rich relatives now. For instance, the Lotus Evija cost over $2 million when it launched back in 2020.HiPhi's release shouldn't be quite so bad, as the company's all-electric HiPhi Z all-electric sedan cost around $90,000 when it launched. This isn't a hypercar, of course, but does include many of the same features, such as that nappa leather interior and floating entertainment screen.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/chinas-hiphi-debuts-electric-hatchback-with-a-top-speed-of-186-mph-181037798.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Nathan Ingraham on (#6GD8E)
Google has been trying to make it easier for people to secure their accounts for years now. The company is one of several that are pushing a transition to passkeys from passwords, and they have also sold physical keys for unlocking accounts that support FIDO standards. Today, Google has updated its lineup of Titan security keys with some features that'll make them work better with passkeys as well as passwords.As before, Google is offering two Titan keys, one with USB-C and another with USB-A. Both keys still support NFC so they can be used to unlock accounts on compatible smartphones as well as through the physical port. The new key supports FIDO2 specifications for password-free sign-ins and can store up to 250 passkeys.Google is using this as an opportunity to push people towards using passkeys to protect their Google account - as part of the set-up process, you'll be encouraged to create a passkey and store it on the Titan key rather than continue using your password. At that point, you'll also set up a PIN that can be used in conjunction with the security key to unlock your Google account. But the Titan key can work with any supported account, not just Google. And, of course, you can use it as a two-factor authentication device alongside traditional passwords, as well.These new Titan keys are on sale today on the Google Store and cost the same as the ones they're replacing. The USB-A model is $30, while the USB-C key costs $35.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/googles-updated-titan-security-key-can-store-up-to-250-passkeys-180035899.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Will Shanklin on (#6GD8F)
The kids' version of the Tesla Cyberquad is back on sale. Made by Radio Flyer (the 106-year-old company known for its Americana-steeped red wagons), the children's ride with Cybertruck stylings initially launched in 2021. However, it was recalled for not meeting Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Radio Flyer says the new version of the $1,900 children's vehicle now meets all CPSC requirements and will begin shipping later this month.We're thrilled to announce the official relaunch of the Cyberquad for Kids by Radio Flyer, a product we have been working to enhance for the last two years," Robert Pasin, Radio Flyer's CEO (described as Chief Wagon Officer"), wrote in a press release.The updated Cyberquad for Kids is Model 915, replacing the recalled Model 914 that quickly sold out nearly two years ago. The CPSC claimed model 914 violated ATV federal safety standards for youths and had an inadequate mechanical suspension and maximum tire pressure, among other issues. When the older model was pulled, the government agency said Tesla had sold around 5,000 units.According to Radio Flyer, Model 915's safety updates include the replacement of the rear spring with a steel tube with rubber-coated metal inserts that secures the rear frame to the main frame," an updated age range of nine to 12 years old, a tire inflation warning label and another revised warning stating it isn't an ATV or intended for off-road use.Radio Flyer / TeslaThe vehicle still includes a 500-watt motor with a max speed of 10 mph. It has an estimated 15 miles of range and an LED headlight and taillight mimicking the Cybertruck. The ride-on toy includes a steel frame, high-pressure rubber air tires and a 36V Radio Flyer battery, which the wagon-maker says provides the best performance with a lower impact on the environment, as well as the longest run time and fastest recharge time compared to other products on the market."Tesla, whose involvement Radio Flyer has described as limited primarily to the sales and the vehicle's appearance, offers the updated Cyberquad for Kids exclusively on its website - along with Model S for Kids and My First Model Y. The Cyberquad ride-on toy is available now for $1,900. The EV maker says orders will begin shipping in late November.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/1900-tesla-cyberquad-is-on-sale-again-less-likely-to-maim-children-174552173.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Cheyenne MacDonald on (#6GD8G)
Google is experimenting with a feature that would allow people to add their own notes to search results for anyone to see. In theory, this would make results more helpful, providing a bit of human perspective - like feedback on recipe links or tips relating to travel queries - so people can better find the information that's relevant to them. Notes are available now as an opt-in feature in Google's Search Labs.Search Labs is where Google tests new features that may or may not eventually make it to its flagship search engine. For those who are enrolled and have opted in for the Notes experiment, a Notes button will appear in Search and Discover, and tapping that will pull up all the insights other people have shared about a given article. You can also add your own, and dress it up with stickers, photos and, down the line (for US users only), AI-generated images.GoogleWhile community-sourced notes sound a bit like a recipe for disaster in an age of rampant misinformation and trolling, especially with the inclusion of AI imagery, Google says it will use a combination of algorithmic protections and human moderation to make sure notes are as safe, helpful and relevant as possible, and to protect against harmful or abusive content." The company is also looking into ways to let site owners add notes to their own pages.It's still just a test, and users will have the opportunity to submit feedback based on their experiences with Notes. The experimental feature has started rolling out for Search Labs on Android and iOS in the US and India.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-is-testing-community-sourced-notes-for-search-results-173022736.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Kris Holt on (#6GD8H)
Meta has called for legislation that would require app stores to get parental approval before their teens download any app. That would effectively put more onus on parents, as well as Google and Apple, to protect younger users from apps that have the potential to cause harm."Parents should approve their teen's app downloads, and we support federal legislation that requires app stores to get parents' approval whenever their teens under 16 download apps," Antigone Davis, Meta's global head of safety, wrote. The company is proposing a plan that would see app stores notifying parents when their teen wants to download an app, in a similar way to how they are alerted when a kid wants to make an in-app purchase. The parent would then approve or deny the request.Meta says its approach would let parents verify their teen's age when they set up a phone, rather than requiring everyone to verify their age multiple times across various apps. The company suggests legislation is needed to make sure all apps that teens use are held to the same standard.It notes that states are enacting "a patchwork of different laws," some requiring teens to get parental approval for different apps and others mandating age verification. However, "teens move interchangeably between many websites and apps, and social media laws that hold different platforms to different standards in different states will mean teens are inconsistently protected," Davis wrote.Under current proposals, Meta argues that parents would need to navigate different signup methods and provide "potentially sensitive identification information" for themselves and their teens "to apps with inconsistent security and privacy practices." Indeed, experts say that such age verification practices threaten the privacy of all users.Utah is enacting legislation that will require social media apps to obtain parental content before a teen can use them. That state and Arkansas both passed social media age verification laws. Following a lawsuit from tech companies, a federal judge struck down the Arkansas legislation a day before it was set to take effect in September. The Utah laws are scheduled to come into force in March.In its call for federal legislation, this could be seen as a case of Meta trying to pass the buck to parents and app stores. A judge this week rejected attempts by Meta, YouTube parent Google and TikTok owner ByteDance to dismiss lawsuits blaming them for teens' social media addiction. In October, 41 states and the District of Columbia sued Meta for allegedly releasing "harmful features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children and teens to their mental and physical detriment," among other things.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-calls-for-legislation-to-require-parental-approval-for-teens-app-downloads-171016744.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GD8J)
Roku's Streaming Stick 4K has dropped to $30 on Amazon as part of a Black Friday deal. This is the best price we've seen all year for the streaming stick and represents a savings of 40 percent. It's the lowest price we've seen all year for the device. You have to go all the way back to last year's Black Friday sale to find something cheaper.This is considered to be one of the best standalone streaming devices out there. As a matter of fact, Roku's 4K streaming stick sits atop our list of the best streaming media players, and for good reason. We appreciated the pocket-friendly form factor, the straightforward user interface and, of course, those glorious 4K visuals. We thought this was a great value at its original MSRP, so that value has certainly increased with this sale.Despite being a straightforward streaming stick with access to more than 500,000 movies and shows, Roku's device does boast some interesting features. There's a universal search function to browse through the aforementioned flood of content, for one, and this feature doesn't prioritize one result over another. The same cannot be said for Amazon products.It ships with a voice-enabled remote and supports Apple AirPlay 2, for streaming from Macs and iOS devices. Additionally, the stick offers support for HDR streaming and Dolby Vision. If you want the best remote Roku offers, go for the Roku Streaming Stick+, which isn't on sale. However, the Roku Express 4K+ is on sale for $25, though this is a larger device than a streaming stick.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/this-roku-black-friday-deal-cuts-the-price-of-the-streaming-stick-4k-down-to-29-165523603.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Sarah Fielding on (#6GD55)
Microsoft has announced a project it has been "refining in secret for years;" Its own custom silicon in the form of two new server chips. The company unveiled the fruits of its labor at Microsoft Ignite, showing off the Azure Maia AI Accelerator and the Azure Cobalt CPU. The latter of which, at least, the company is happy to admit is ARM-based, which can still feel unthinkable to eyes so used to Microsoft and Intel's hand-in-glove dominance of the computing market.The company turned to OpenAI to receive feedback on Azure Maia and to use the company's models for testing. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the updated Microsoft's Azure will also provide the opportunity for training improved models and making them more affordable for customers.The custom-designed chips can further optimize Microsoft's infrastructure instead of relying on third-party options. "Much like building a house lets you control every design choice and detail, Microsoft sees the addition of homegrown chips as a way to ensure every element is tailored for Microsoft cloud and AI workloads," a blog post from the company explained. "The chips will nestle onto custom server boards, placed within tailor-made racks that fit easily inside existing Microsoft datacenters. The hardware will work hand in hand with software - co-designed together to unlock new capabilities and opportunities."The company plans to use the new Maia 100 AI Accelerator to power some of Microsoft Azure's biggest internal AI workloads. Microsoft claims both the accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU will improve efficiency and performance. The chips will make their way to Microsoft's data centers early next year for powering services like Microsoft Copilot (now encompassing Bing Chat) and Azure OpenAI Service.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-will-use-custom-designed-chips-to-bolster-its-ai-services-160050479.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GD56)
Microsoft is rebranding Bing Chat and is now simply calling it "Copilot," giving its generative AI assistant a consistent identity across its products. Similarly, Bing Chat Enterprise will also just be known as Copilot, and it will be generally available starting on December 1. It will still be free for specific Microsoft 365 licenses, which will include F3 accounts for frontline workers, though the $5-a-month standalone subscription will be available that day, as well.Copilot is based on OpenAI's latest models, GPT-4 and DALL-E 3, and the company says it will not save prompts and responses. Microsoft will not see interactions happening within Copilot at all, and it will not use customers' chats to further train the underlying models. In addition to announcing Bing Chat's rebranding, Microsoft has also revealed at its Ignite AI event that it's giving Copilot for Microsoft 365 more personalization options. Users will be able to set their preferred formatting, style and tone, starting with Word and PowerPoint, and then later on with other apps.In Teams, Copilot will gain the ability to take notes throughout the meeting starting sometime next year. Users will even be able to tell the assistant specific information to include - they can, for instance, ensure that a co-worker's remarks are in the meeting notes by asking Copilot to "Quote [the co-worker's name]." They can also have Copilot assist in a meeting to provide answers on the fly when needed without enabling transcription. The assistant can even list and visualize Teams discussions in a collaborative space in Whiteboard that all participants can access. In Teams channels, users will be able to use Copilot to synthesize long posts or review key happenings throughout the day.In Outlook, Copilot will be able to comb through invitation details, related emails and pertinent documents to build a summary of events that users can review quickly starting in spring next year. A feature that's "coming soon" to Word will allow users to be able to easily discern the latest changes to a document simply by asking Copilot a question, such as "How do I see what has changed in this document?" And in PowerPoint, users will be able to use corporate brand assets and easily reimagine them using AI-generated visuals. These are but a few of Microsoft's announcements at Ignite, which also include its two new in-house AI chips, the Azure Maia AI Accelerator and Azure Cobalt CPU.Update, November 15 2023, 1:20PM ET: This story originally contained references to "Copilot Pro" as the new name for Bing Chat Enterprise, but Microsoft has since let us know that it's using Copilot to refer to all its offerings.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/microsoft-rebrands-its-ai-powered-bing-chat-as-copilot-160027250.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Nathan Ingraham on (#6GD57)
YouTube Premium may have gotten more expensive in the last year (like basically every other streaming service), but the company at least has adding features pretty frequently as well. YouTube Music in particular has gotten a lot of upgrades in 2023, but today YouTube is announcing a number of experimental features and offers for subscribers to check out.Probably the most significant is that YouTube's "enhanced" 1080p playback feature is coming to everyone, regardless of what device you're using. It started out as an iOS-only feature, but is now available on Android, the web and smart TVs too. This quality setting provides an improved bitrate that YouTube says has more information per pixel. The enhanced 1080p setting started rolling out to some users on the web this summer, but it should be available to all Premium subscribers regardless of what device you're using.In the same vein, a "continue watching" feature that YouTube launched for phones and on the web is rolling out to tablets and smart TVs as well. Basically, if you're watching a video on one device, all your other ones will remember what you're watching and where you left off so you can seamlessly continue the video.You'll also be unsurprised to learn that YouTube is starting to bring AI-generated content into the Premium experience. Earlier this month the company announced it was testing out AI-generated summaries of comment sections as well as a chatbot that can attempt to answer questions about what you're watching. The company didn't do a full announce then, just dropping some info on a YouTube support page, but with today's news you can sign up for a spot to try the chatbot out. YouTube says that only a limited number of people will get into the test, so don't hesitate if you want to give it a shot. You can find the details about YouTube's experimental features here.YouTube also has a handful of decent perks available for Premium subscribers at the moment. Among them are three-month trials to Discord Nitro, Walmart+, and Game Pass for PCs (the last one is "coming soon"). There's also a four-month subscription to the Calm meditation and sleep app and an "in-game loot bundle" for Genshin Impact. Finally, there are some cute new achievement badges highlighting how much you've watched or listened, among other things.As part of the announcement, YouTube also noted that it now has 80 million paid and free trial users of Premium around the world. None of these new features are exactly the kinds of things that'll drive more people to try the service, but existing subscribers should try and get as much as they can out of it - particularly people who are new to Premium in the face of YouTube's recent crackdown on ad blockers.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/youtube-rolls-out-high-bitrate-1080p-to-all-premium-subscribers-160018538.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Kris Holt on (#6GD58)
The Steam Deck OLED aren't the only new handheld gaming variants you can snap up this week. The Analogue Pocket will soon be available in eight fresh colorways. Analogue says they're color matched and manufactured in eight classic Game Boy Pocket and Game Boy Advance colors: blue, green, indigo, spice orange, pink, red, silver and yellow. They all look just lovely.Pre-orders will open up on November 17 at 11AM ET on Analogue's website. The company will start shipping these models on November 20. So, if you want to gift one of these versions to a (very special) someone this holiday season, it should arrive with plenty of time to spare.However, you'll surely need to act fast if you want one of these Classic Limited Editions. As with other special-edition Pockets, these will probably all be snapped up quickly. The Glow in the Dark model sold out in just two minutes. Even so, the limited-edition models may be your best chance of getting an Analogue Pocket anytime soon. The standard version is rarely in stock, and even when it is, it often takes quite some time to ship.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-analogue-pocket-will-soon-come-in-eight-game-boy-pocketadvance-colors-160009109.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GD59)
Researchers at the Zurich-based ETH public university, along with a US-based startup affiliated with MIT, have done the impossible. They've printed a robot hand complete with bones, ligaments and tendons for the very first time, representing a major leap forward in 3D printing technology. It's worth noting that the various parts of the hand were printed simultaneously, and not cobbled together after the fact.Each of the robotic hand's various parts were made from different polymers of varying softness and rigidity, using a new laser-scanning technique that lets 3D printers create special plastics with elastic qualities" all in one go. This obviously opens up new possibilities in the fast-moving field of prosthetics, but also in any field that requires the production of soft robotic structures.Basically, the researchers developed a method to 3D print slow-curing plastics, whereas the technology was previously reserved for fast-curing plastics. This hybrid printing method presents all kinds of advantages when compared to standard fast-cure projects, such as increased durability and enhanced elastic properties. The tech also allows us to mimic nature more accurately, as seen in the aforementioned robotic hand.Robots made of soft materials, such as the hand we developed, have advantages over conventional robots made of metal. Because they're soft, there is less risk of injury when they work with humans, and they are better suited to handling fragile goods," ETH Zurich robotics professor Robert Katzschmann writes in the study.ETH Zurich/Thomas BuchnerThis advancement still prints layer-by-layer, but an integrated scanner constantly checks the surface for irregularities before telling the system to move onto the next material type. Additionally, the extruder and scraper have been updated to allow for the use of slow-curing polymers. The stiffness can be fine-tuned for creating unique objects that suit various industries. Making human-like appendages is one use case scenario, but so is manufacturing objects that soak up noise and vibrations.MIT-affiliated startup Inkbit helped develop this technology and has already begun thinking about how to make money off of it. The company will soon start to sell these newly-made printers to manufacturers but will also sell complex 3D-printed objects that make use of the technology to smaller entities.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/researchers-printed-a-robotic-hand-with-bones-ligaments-and-tendons-for-the-first-time-160005103.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Lawrence Bonk on (#6GD5A)
Apple's latest and greatest iPad Air tablet is on sale via Amazon for $500 as part of an early Black Friday deal. The MSRP is $600, so this represents a savings of $100 for the fifth-gen device. The record-low deal applies to every available color, from purple to space gray, but some hues require you clip an affiliated coupon on the side of the page. You know the drill.This deal is for the M1-equipped iPad Air, so it'll be fast enough for just about anything you throw at it. It's the 64GB version, though the 256GB models are also on sale for $650 instead of $750. Additionally, there's a similar discount for the 5G cellular models that shaves off $100 from that sticker price.The fifth-gen iPad Air is generally considered to be the best all-purpose tablet that Apple makes. There's a reason, after all, why it sits atop our list of the best iPads. We gave it high marks in our official review, calling out the sheer power of the M1 chip and the excellent battery life, which lasts around 12 hours per charge. We also admired the much-improved front camera, the optional 5G and, of course, the top-notch design and build.On the downside, the storage options are a bit stingy, as is typical with Apple. The 64GB model will fill up fast, particularly if you are downloading apps and games at a rapid pace. This model also lacks Face ID, if that's a dealbreaker for you. Finally, like all Apple tablets, the official pencil and keyboard accessories are on the expensive side. Despite these caveats, though, this was the best Apple tablet you could buy at $600, so that certainly holds true at $500.Your Black Friday Shopping Guide: See all of Yahoo's Black Friday coverage, here. Follow Engadget for Black Friday tech deals. Learn about Black Friday trends on In The Know. Hear from Autoblog's experts on the best Black Friday deals for your car, garage, and home, and find Black Friday sales to shop on AOL, handpicked just for you.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/apples-ipad-air-m1-drops-to-a-record-low-500-in-an-amazon-black-friday-deal-155933724.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Daniel Cooper on (#6GD0Z)
It's been a couple of years since Amazon first showed off Astro, its Alexa-equipped home robot with an extendable camera. Now the company is announcing Astro for Business which will let small and medium-size businesses use Astro as a security guard. Amazon thinks it's here they'll get the most use from the platform, keeping watch over business sites no larger than 5,000 square feet.It's $2,350 for a unit, and the buying company will get four months free access to both Ring Protect Pro ($20 a month) and Astro Security ($60 a month). The former lets you hook up to an existing Ring setup, while the latter lets you set up specific patrol routes and alerts. Users that pay for both will also get the chance to upgrade to Virtual Security Guard for $99, which routes the feed to a local monitoring company when it detects something is awry.Astro has been kinda/sorta available to consumers for a while now, but only part as a limited, invite-only system. Amazon has been testing it in business contexts for the better part of a year and this is likely the first time it'll be available to buy without any sort of barriers to entry. Although even if you had missed out so far, the prohibitive pricing might dissuade you from taking advantage.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/amazons-dinky-astro-robot-is-now-available-as-a-security-guard-143027983.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Sarah Fielding on (#6GD10)
Google Maps is rolling out some new features ahead of the very fun, not at all hectic travel season known as the holidays. The updates aren't actually holiday specific - though we'll admit the timing isn't bad - with a focus on ways to figure out where you're going and how you're getting there.Let's start with the how. Google is expanding the ways you can customize your transit directions. Now, you can use filters such as ETA, length of trip, time spent walking, type of transit and number of transfers. If you get carsick on buses or hate walking that hilly path, for example, simply change the settings to suggest other options first. Click the options button at the top right of displayed transit routes and you'll see preferred modes and route options to pick from. Google Maps should save your preferences so you don't need to redo them every time you search.Google is also adding clearer directions to station entrances, including which side of the street to enter on depending which direction your train is going. This update will be available in 80 cities, from Boston to Singapore.Now for the where: Google Maps is introducing collaborative lists. Basically, share any location on Maps and all of you can create a list of places you're interested in going and vote on them with a heart or thumbs down emoji.Speaking of emoji reactions, the last Google Maps update lets you respond to reviews with emojis. You can even create your own emoji of sorts with AI and the Emoji Kitchen. The pair will suggest mashups based on whats in a photo and any emojis you use. This new feature is available now, while the updates to Google Maps will roll out on Android and iOS devices over the next few weeks.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-maps-adds-collaborative-lists-and-new-transit-search-customizations-140031424.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Jeff Dunn,Valentina Palladino,Amy Skorheim on (#6GD11)
"Black Friday" has really become a misnomer in recent years. What was once one day with truly limited-time offers has expanded into a month-long sales marathon that can feel more exhausting than exciting. It's happening again in 2023: Target, Best Buy and Walmart are already advertising their deals, while Amazon Black Friday deals kick off in earnest later this week.
|
by Billy Steele on (#6GD12)
Master & Dynamic didn't get off to a good start with its true wireless earbuds, but the company's last two efforts were much-improved. After rounding into form with the MW08 Sport, M&D has returned with the MW09 ($349 or $399): earbuds with a familiar design but enhancements to sound quality, active noise cancellation (ANC) and call performance. As always with the company's audio gear, high-end materials are on display, although the starting price is higher than most of the competition.DesignMaster & Dynamic didn't make too many changes to its design. The same basic D-shaped housing remains for the outer portion of each bud. The company did add a circular element on the outer panel where its trademark M" branding resides, but this is purely aesthetic. There's no additional touch panel or physical button there. Controls are still on the top edge with a volume rocker on the left and a multi-function button for playback and calls on the right. The volume controls also enable/disable ambient sound and ANC with a long press on either end, but it's just an on/off function that recalls your last preset choice. It doesn't cycle through all of the MW09's available options.One of M&D's calling cards is its use of premium materials. Usually a mix of leather and metal, but those don't translate well to earbuds. Like the MW08 Sport, the company opted for a mix of aluminum and sapphire glass with a shiny aluminum charging case. There's also a Kevlar option for the case, and certain colors are only available with it, but that material will cost you an extra $50. Even with the high-end details, the MW09 is IP54 rated against dust and moisture while the case is IPX4. Master & Dynamic offers more fit options than most headphone companies as well, including five sizes of silicone tips and and two sizes of foam tips in the box.Software and featuresEvery setting and customization that's available on the MW09 is done through the M&D Connect app. The software shows battery life for the earbuds (one number for both) and the case on the main screen after you choose the connected device. A gear icon in the top right gives you access to sound presets, a fully customizable EQ and ambient sound - all of which appear under the Sound menu. Sidetone, the ability to hear your voice on calls, and the option to disable audio prompts are also available here.Deeper in the Settings menu, Master & Dynamic allows you to disable in-ear detection and set the auto-off timer. There's an acoustic earbud seal test and the option to manage Bluetooth connections. Multipoint is supported here, and it works well. The company doesn't overload you with options, and none of them are particularly nifty, but all the basics are covered and there's a solid degree of customization available. For example, there are three settings each for active noise cancellation and ambient mode, so even with those you aren't stuck with one default configuration.Sound quality and noise cancelationPhoto by Billy Steele/EngadgetThe one thing I enjoy most about the Master & Dynamic's consistent tuning is its affinity for balanced, natural sound. They've always had great clarity too, so it's easy to listen to them for long periods of time.That knack for detail returns on the MW09 and it's on full display for albums like Chris Stapleton's Higher. You can hear every bit of texture in the singer's bluesy rock riffs and things like the subtle decay in the snare drum rattle are easily lost on other earbuds. The MW09 really shines with genres like Stapleton's country rock, Nickel Creek's bluegrass and classic jazz. Even more bombastic styles like metal are thick and layered rather than seeming flat and compressed. Drain's Living Proof, for instance, is just as angry, gritty and loud as it is on a set of over-ear cans. The stock tuning is fine but I personally preferred the Audiophile sound preset, which emphasizes treble and mids.Master & Dynamic says it optimized" the microphone and sensor placement of its ANC setup on the MW09, with new adaptive noise-blocking algorithms for improved performance. The company offers three presets - Max ANC, All Day ANC and Adaptive ANC - with two designed for high- and low-noise settings with the third built to automatically adjust to environmental changes. I found the Max option the best at combating distractions overall, but the company has been clear that it impacts battery life. What's more, all three struggle to keep up at volumes below 50 percent, with things like white noise machines and human voices are ever present below 50 percent.Call quality and ambient soundThe company touts a new AI-enhanced" voice setup for calls that employs six microphones and offers wind reduction to keep you sounding your best. Every earbud maker claims to provide pristine performance and almost all of them fall short. The MW09 does a great job cutting down on background noise, but the overall clarity isn't as natural as M&D brags. It's fine for casual chats, but you'll want something better for your voice and video calls at work.You'll want to switch to one of the MW09's three ambient sound modes to keep yourself from getting overly shouty. The company's app does include the ability to pipe in your voice here via Sidetone, but you don't get the full effect if you stay in ANC mode. I found the Voice preset the best of the three ambient modes for both calls and keeping tabs on my surroundings, but there's a more general Natural option as well as an enhanced" Awareness tuning. M&D's transparency mode isn't as natural sounding as on Apple's AirPods Pro, but it's above average.Battery lifePhoto by Billy Steele/EngadgetMaster & Dynamic has extended the battery life on the MW09 by two hours over the MW08 Sport when you have ANC on. With noise cancelation turned off, you'll get four more hours than that model. That's 12 and 16 hours compared to 10 and 12 hours. There's also an additional two hours in the charging case, up to 32 hours as opposed to the MW08 Sport's 30. Thanks to a quick charge feature, the MW09 can give you two hours of use in just five minutes, hitting 50 percent in 20 minutes.During my test with the All Day noise canceling setting enabled and volume at around 85 percent, the MW09 only lasted 10 hours. That's a higher volume level than I'd typically run, but these earbuds are also quieter than most of the competition. You have to listen to them cranked up. M&D says the 12 hour figure is an average of run times in various scenarios and codecs at a volume just over 50 percent. That level just wasn't loud enough for me. While it's disappointing to not hit the stated number, 10 hours is still at the top end of most premium earbuds these days. Sony manages eight out of its flagship model while Bose gets six, both are with ANC on.The competitionSony's WF-1000XM5 remain our top pick for best wireless earbuds. You can find better ANC performance from Bose and slightly better sound quality from Sennheiser, but Sony is a close second in both. What gives the 1000XM5 the edge is Sony's continued ability to put a ton of useful features on its earbuds, the sum of which no other company does. Things like Speak-to-Chat automatic pausing for conversations, automatic sound adjustments based on activity or location and DSEE Extreme upscaling that keeps Sony's audio chops near the best you can buy. They're Sony's most expensive earbuds yet, but they're still $49 less than the MW09.Bose's new QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are also worth a look. They're cheaper than the MW09 at $299 and support Bose's unique take on spatial audio that doesn't require specially-created content. The design is nearly identical to the QuietComfort Earbuds II, but that's okay since that shape is a lot more comfy than the previous iteration. Plus, the company's stellar noise-canceling setup is on the QC Ultra model, which is really the star of the show.Wrap-upWith the MW09, Master & Dynamic makes tweaks to a familiar formula with the most significant changes coming the sound profile and customization options. Ambient sound mode is improved and the convenience of multipoint Bluetooth that works well can't be overstated. However, ANC performance is just okay and overall call quality is average. Lovers of a more natural sound profile and premium materials will be happy with these, but you can get more for less money elsewhere if those are your primary concerns.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/master--dynamic-mw09-review-premium-materials-impeccable-clarity-132522028.html?src=rss
 |
by Daniel Cooper on (#6GCXX)
In the US, Apple's iMessage is so popular that the fact it shows texts from non-iOS handsets in a different color is a big deal. This status anxiety is so great, the Android world has begged regulators to force Apple to... change the color of a text bubble. Now, Nothing is taking matters into its own hands, partnering with unified messaging platform Sunbird to hide that shame. Sunbird uses your Apple ID to route comms between your Nothing phone and your friends' iPhones through a server farm of Mac Minis. If it works as well as promised, it means your friends won't know you own an Android handset... until the next time you see them in person.Of course, none of this is happening with Apple's blessing, so it needs a workaround. You need to hand over your credentials to a third party and risk the fallout should Apple decide to intervene. Nothing CEO Carl Pei believes Apple can't risk the bad PR if it shuts Sunbird down, but that's not a bet I'd like to take. It's worth saying this is almost unique to the US - most of the world just uses third-party platforms like WhatsApp. Not to mention if your friends give you grief because of the phone you own, they aren't your friends.- Dan CooperYou can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!The biggest stories you might have missedAbleton Live 12 can create MIDI riffs and has a new synth to play themThe best smartwatchesVenmo's Groups feature could spell trouble for bill-splitting appsHere are the coolest trailers from Nintendo's Indie World eventThe 16 best gift ideas for remote workersMake life easier when you're WFH-ing.Will Lipman Photography for EngadgetWorking from home makes you happier, healthier, more productive and helps you keep on top of things outside of office life. It's no surprise people enjoying those benefits are keen to improve their domestic working environment. Today's guide is a list of handy gifts for home workers, including productivity timers, ergonomic mice, extra monitors and more.Continue Reading.Opal's Tadpole proves webcams don't need to be big or boringIt's so small, but mighty.Photo by James Trew / EngadgetOpal makes ultra-premium webcams in surprisingly small bodies. Its latest, the Tadpole, is absolutely for laptop users. James Trew put the dinky device through its paces, and he thinks it might be a winner. Picture quality is pretty good, but the directional audio helps screen out enough unwanted audio that it deserved extra praise.Continue Reading.AI is starting to outperform meteorologistsBut can an LLM make cheesy jokes on the news?A machine-learning algorithm that can predict weather patterns is causing a storm in the meteorological community. DeepMind's GraphCast can predict 10 days of patterns in under a minute and, according to one study, vastly outperform the existing technology. It's already borne fruit, too, successfully predicting when Hurricane Lee would land on Long Island 10 days before it happened.Continue Reading. Uber is cracking down on users who give bad ratings just to get refundsIt's to prevent drivers being blamed for things out of their control.Uber says it wants to make the platform better for riders and drivers alike and will now clamp down on users who give bad reviews just to score a refund. The company is targeting those negative nellies and will discard or downrank their complaints to protect the ratings of otherwise good drivers.Continue Reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-imessage-comes-to-nothings-android-phones-for-now-121541024.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GCVJ)
Pokemon Concierge, a stop-motion animation show from Japan's Dwarf Studio, will be available for streaming on Netflix starting on December 28. The streaming service has announced the show's arrival nine months after revealing the project, which it says is the "first-ever collaborative production between Netflix and The Pokemon Company." Pokemon Concierge has a totally different feel from the games, the anime series and the movies that came after it. There are no battles in the new show, no trainers fighting for dominance and no monsters pulling off their special moves.Instead, we get Pokemon chilling in pools and living their best lives as they go on a vacation. The series follows a new concierge working at the Pokemon Resort named Haru, along with her companion Psyduck, as they learn how to serve and make their Pokemon guests happy. Based on the trailer shared by Netflix, viewers will also see a number of other popular monsters, including Pikachu, Eevee and Magikarp, as they visit the resort.Haru will be voiced by Karen Fukuhara (The Boy and the Heron) in the English language version of the show. The Pokemon company and Netflix also signed up Mariya Takeuchi to sing a warm and relaxing theme song for the series that goes perfectly with its vibe. Takeuchi, who rose to fame in the 80's for the City Pop genre, has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years after her song Plastic Love went viral on YouTube.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/netflixs-stop-motion-pokemon-show-arrives-on-december-28-100743389.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GCSS)
US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers has ruled that the companies that own and run the most popular social networks today will have the face lawsuits blaming them for teenagers' social media addiction. According to Bloomberg Law, that means Google, which owns YouTube, Meta which runs Facebook and Instagram, ByteDance, which owns TikTok, and Snap can't get out of hundreds of federal lawsuits filed against them over the past couple of years.Rogers, who'll be overseeing the cases, disagreed with the companies' argument that they're not liable for personal injury claims under the First Amendment and Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Section 230 protects publishers from what their users post on their platforms, but the judge said the lawsuits cover more than just third-party content. Further, she said the companies had failed to explain why they shouldn't be held responsible for other complaints against them, including defective parental controls, the failure to implement effective age verification systems and adding barriers to the account deactivation process. At the same time, the just dismissed some of the complaints, such as the ones suing the companies for failing to limit certain kinds of content.The lawsuits in questions were filed on behalf of minors across the country. In 2022, a mother from Connecticut sued Meta and Snap, accusing them of causing an addiction in her 11-year-old daughter who took her own life. In October this year, Meta was sued by 41 states as well as the District of Columbia, accusing the company of knowing that its "addictive" features were harmful to children and teens. Companies like Meta have been facing increased scrutiny over the past couple of years after former employee Frances Haugen revealed an internal Facebook research that found Instagram to be "harmful for a sizable percentage of teens."Google spokesperson Jose Castaneda told Bloomberg Law that protecting children has always been core to the company's work. "In collaboration with child development specialists, we have built age-appropriate experiences for kids and families on YouTube, and provide parents with robust controls," he added. "The allegations in these complaints are simply not true." A TikTok spokesperson gave Reuters a similar statement and said the app has "robust safety policies and parental controls."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-meta-and-other-social-media-companies-will-be-forced-to-defend-teen-addiction-lawsuits-081727526.html?src=rss
|
 |
by Mariella Moon on (#6GCQG)
You may want to check your Google account storage situation if you back up your WhatsApp conversations to Drive on Android. In 2018, WhatsApp and Google announced that you could save your WhatsApp chat history to Drive without it counting towards your storage quota. But starting in December 2023, backing up the messaging app to Drive will count towards your Google account cloud storage space if you're WhatsApp beta user. If you don't use the app's beta version, you won't be feeling the change in policy until next year when it "gradually" makes its way to all Android devices.Personal Google accounts come with 15GB of free cloud storage shared across Gmail, Drive and Photos. In its announcement, Google noted that that's "three times more than most mobile platforms." Apple's iCloud, for instance, only comes with 5GB of free space. Still, it's very much possible (and maybe even easy at this point) to hit or go beyond 15GB, depending on how many pictures and files you've backed up and uploaded.Google has linked to its storage management tools in its post to make it easier to remove large files or photos you no longer need. You can also delete items from within WhatsApp, so they'll no longer be included in your next backup. Of course, you also have the option to purchase extra storage with Google One, which will set you back at least $2 a month for 100GB. The company promises to provide eligible users with "limited, one-time Google One promotions" soon, though, so it may be best to wait for those before getting a subscription. Take note that this change will only affect you if you back up your chat history using your personal account. If you have a Workspace account through your job or another organization, you don't have to worry about WhatsApp taking up a chunk of your cloud storage space.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/whatsapp-chats-backed-up-to-google-drive-will-soon-take-up-storage-space-055300237.html?src=rss
|
by Richard Lai on (#6GCP9)
Following the pedestrian collision on October 2nd, Cruise had its driverless vehicle permit revoked in California, but the company is now also voluntarily pausing its supervised and manual robotaxi operation in the US "in the coming days." This will be part of an expanded safety probe conducted by independent engineering consulting firm, Exponent, which originally came on board to focus on "a technical root cause analysis" of the aforementioned accident. The suspended manual operation will apparently affect around 70 vehicles - a fraction of Cruise's fleet of 950 robotaxis, which were recalled following the freak accident instigated by a separate hit-and-run.The same announcement shared that Craig Glidden, General Motors' Executive Vice President of Legal and Policy and Cruise board member, will be joining the subsidiary as Chief Administrative Officer. The exec will oversee Cruise's legal, communications and finance teams, on top of his current role at GM. The company is also continuing its search for a permanent Chief Safety Officer, while retaining "a third-party safety expert in the coming weeks to perform a full assessment of Cruise's safety operations and culture."It'll be an uphill battle for Cruise from here on out. Recent reports discovered that these robotaxis struggled to detect children, not to mention the firm's seeming lack of data around child-specific situations on the streets. Despite this known flaw, Cruise continued to operate its autonomous vehicles on the streets. It is also reported that Cruise employees will face layoffs over the next two weeks, as the company struggles to regain trust from the public and authorities - not just for itself, but also for the entire robotaxi industry.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cruise-is-also-pausing-its-manned-robotaxi-rides-for-a-full-safety-review-040140791.html?src=rss